Adam and I first crossed paths in a business class at the University of Houston. Fate (and an online group project) brought us together, but it wasn’t until the end of the semester that we truly connected. We discovered we both shared a passion for competitive golf, which sparked the beginning of something special. While I (Zarena) realized very early on that Adam was someone extraordinary, Adam says he knew we were meant to be when he realized we shared the same vision for our lives. We had built a strong friendship over 1.5 years, so by the time we went on our first date to see Ford vs Ferrari, it felt natural and effortless. Adam has always had a thoughtful and supportive side—he remembered a whole year after meeting me that I had a senior swim meet in November 2019, and he surprised me by showing up to cheer me on. We officially started dating in February 2020, and from there, our journey together truly began. In May 2021, Adam graduated from college, and I decided it was the perfect time to adopt a dog. I had my heart set on bringing a furry friend into our lives, and Adam—being the supportive partner he is—couldn’t say no. Shortly after adopting our German shepherd named Faze, I brought up another big decision: moving back to my home state of Colorado. Without hesitation, Adam agreed to take on this next adventure with me. We moved to Colorado in July 2021 and, while there, grew our family even more by adopting a Rottweiler mix named Astro that I found while volunteering at a shelter in April 2022. After almost two years in Colorado, we returned to Houston in February 2023, bringing our little family full circle. Just before our four-year anniversary, Adam planned a surprise trip to Waco for the perfect proposal. He found a picturesque bridge, hired a photographer, and created a moment we’ll never forget. I had a feeling it was coming, but when I saw the bridge, I knew this was it. We were both nervous but overjoyed, ready to begin the next chapter of our lives together. Our relationship is built on humor, trust, and an incredible friendship, and we can’t wait to celebrate our love story with all of you!